A Spreading Illness

As rumour began to spread of the strange discoveries in the north, the
citizens of Cyrene were hard at work investigating the origin of the
metal collars found around the necks of the deceased xoran. But even the
devoted smiths of Phaestus could not determine what kind of metal
comprised the collars. One was melted into an ingot and sent to the
Cauda Pavonis for further scrutiny, but seldom have those enigmatic
alchemists been forthcoming with answers.

Little did the adventurers know, a mysterious illness had taken hold of
those who had come in contact with the corpses in Hthrak. While visiting
Cyrene, Dannyl contracted the disease, unknowingly carrying it with him
to Shallam; from there, raiding Ashtani spread it to their own city.
Onward the infection silently travelled, to Hashan and Mhaldor courtesy
of unknowing hosts Twil and Katia. Many harbour the illness,
experiencing no symptoms, but several xoran have already reported
deadened senses and itching upon their skin.

Meanwhile, the last of the three collars retrieved from the north
arrived via ship upon the isle of Prin, born by a priestess and two
hunters... along with the spreading disease.